Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach

This one-pan skillet turns simple ingredients into a comforting, creamy dinner that feels special without the fuss. Sweet potato cubes caramelize gently while a silky cream and vegetable broth sauce folds into cheese tortellini and fresh spinach for a bright, satisfying finish. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something warm, colorful, and ready in a flash. If you love sweet potato dinners with bold texture and flavor, you might also enjoy our chicken and sweet potato bowls for another hearty option.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe balances convenience and comfort with minimal clean up and maximum flavor. Using fresh or frozen cheese tortellini means the pasta cooks straight in the sauce, soaking up richness while the sweet potato becomes tender and slightly sweet. The spinach adds a burst of color and freshness that keeps each bite lively. With pantry staples like garlic, thyme, and Parmesan, it’s easy to pull together even on short notice. For another take on soft, melting sweet potatoes that pair beautifully with creamy elements, check out the technique behind melting sweet potatoes.

Flavor and Texture

Imagine little cheese-packed pillows of tortellini coated in a cream-forward sauce punctuated by sweet, tender potato cubes. Garlic and thyme bring an aromatic backbone while a hint of black pepper and salt keep things well balanced. The broth-lightened cream prevents the sauce from feeling too heavy and helps the tortellini cook through perfectly. Fresh spinach wilts into the mixture, offering delicate leafy texture and a pop of verdant color. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan finishes the dish with a savory, nutty lift.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 16 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
– 4 cups fresh spinach
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Optional: additional Parmesan for serving

Step by Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced sweet potato and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until it starts to soften.
3. Add garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the tortellini to the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta, then cover and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sweet potato is fully cooked.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir well to combine and remove from heat.
8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with more Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Best Results

Choose tortellini that are not overly large so they cook quickly and evenly in the sauce. Cut the sweet potato into uniform cubes so every piece softens at the same rate. If your skillet sauce seems too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth to reach the desired silkiness. Stir gently when adding the tortellini so the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, since the Parmesan adds a salty, umami finish.

Storage and Make Ahead

This dish keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for one to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. If making ahead, slightly undercook the tortellini by a minute to prevent them from becoming too soft when reheated. Freezing is not recommended because the cream and pasta textures change after thawing.

Final Thought

Creamy skillet tortellini with sweet potato and spinach is an easy way to bring seasonal color and comforting flavors to the table. It’s quick enough for weeknights but pretty enough for casual dinner guests. With simple swaps and smart reheating tips, this recipe is a flexible favorite to keep in your repertoire.

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